Willow Girl

Willow Girl is a massive work of art depicting a curled-up female figure. The work was originally a life-size figure, reportedly modelled on a member of Lanu’s family. Olavi Lanu later made a larger version based on the original work. Placing a garland on the Willow Girl has since become a May Day tradition in Lahti. The work was installed in its current location in front of Galleria Nuovo at the request of the public when an exhibition of Lanu’s work at the gallery ended in 1991. Willow Girl is owned by the Päijät-Häme Art Museum Association.

The work depicts a seated female figure gathering herself into her knees and hands, suggesting a weeping girl. The surface of the work is dominated by a structure of intertwined willow branches.

Artwork on the map

In front of Galleria Nuovo, at the corner of Kirkkokatu and Mariankatu. – Mariankatu 16, Lahti.
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